Dead or Alive
  

  
REVIEW:  The first iteration of Dead or Alive was released in arcades in 1996. The 3D fighter utilized Sega's Model 2 arcade board and was the first time Sega licensed their hardware to a third-party-company (in this case, Tecmo). At first glance, DOA definitely resembled Sega's Virtua Fighter 2 in more ways than one, presenting a roster of 8 selectable martial artists. Dead or Alive was later ported to the Sega Saturn only in Japan, and in 1998, a version of DOA hit the Sony PlayStation. The PS1 version featured many differences over the other versions, including reworked graphics, new moves and also a TON of unlockables: 84 character costumes, to be exact! 
 

 

At the time of its debut, DOA's gameplay engine is definitely most comparable to Sega's Virtua Fighter series, utilizing only 3 buttons (punch, kick and hold). However, DOA is a considerably faster game than Virtua Fighter and relies more on simplistic commands and reaction time. DOA's gameplay system features a reversal system, enabling players to easily counter their opponent's moves (later to become a trademark gameplay element of the series). DOA's countering system was the first to utilize different commands that corresponded to each type of attack.

 

 

The other unique (and somewhat odd) aspect gameplay element introduced by DOA is the "Danger Zone," which surround the outer edges of the fighting arena. When a character comes in contact with the danger zone, they are sent flying into the air (creating an easy combo opportunity for skilled players). As a 3D fighting game fan, I'd say the main flaw of DOA's gameplay is the lack of a sidestep mechanic (which was becoming a staple feature in other 3D fighters).

 

  
Dead or Alive quickly became known for its exaggerated "breast jiggle physics" on the female characters. The animation was a bit over-the-top and unrealistic, but it seemed to give the game a humorous touch and something to remember it by. Breasts even continue to jiggle when you pause the game. Funny stuff! As you probably know, the breast jiggle would become a trademark of the DOA series, right along with having many female combatants.
 

  
Overall, character designs of the original DOA aren't terrible and look like they'd fit right into your typical 90s martial arts movie. However, the cast definitely lacked originality and excitement when compared to other fighting game rosters of the era. In a nutshell, character personalities and overall fighting styles were a bit dry and underdeveloped. However, they definitely had potential and evolved quite nicely in future sequels like DOA2 and DOA3.
 

Page Updated: April 10th, 2026 Developer(s): Team Ninja Publisher(s): Tecmo Designer(s): Tomonobu Itagaki Platform(s): Arcade, Sega Saturn, PlayStation Release Date(s): 1996                                Arcade Oct. 9th, 1997            Saturn Mar. 12th, 1998         PS1 Mar. 31st, 1998         PS1 Characters:  Kasumi, Ayane, Lei Fang, Tina Armstrong, Bass Armstrong, Zack, Hayabusa, Gen Fu, Jann Lee, Bayman, Raidou Featured Video: Related Games: Dead or Alive 2, Dead or Alive 2: Hardcore, Dead or Alive 3, Dead or Alive 4, Dead or Alive 5, Dead or Alive 5: Ultimate, Dead or Alive: Dimensions, Dead or Alive 6, Virtua Fighter, Virtua Fighter Remix, Virtua Fighter 2, Fighters Megamix, Last Bronx, Mace: The Dark Age, Star Gladiator, Toshinden 2, Soul Blade, Tekken 3, Tobal No. 1    Gameplay Engine  7.5 / 10 Story / Theme  6.0 / 10 Overall Graphics  9.0 / 10 Animation  7.5 / 10 Music / Sound Effects  4.5 / 10 Innovation  7.0 / 10 Art Direction  5.0 / 10 Customization  9.0 / 10 Options / Extras  8.5 / 10 Intro / Presentation  6.5 / 10 Replayability / Fun  7.0 / 10 "Ouch" Factor  7.5 / 10 Characters  6.0 / 10 BOTTOM LINE  7.2 / 10  Review based on PS1 version        Final Words: Team Ninja made a statement in the fighting genre with the original DOA. While the game wasn't very popular or widely known (mainly due to lack of advertising and name recognition), 3D fighting game fans found an interesting alternative to the likes of Virtua Fighter, TEKKEN and Soul Blade if they stumbled upon the original Dead or Alive in an arcade or home console. I found the PS1 version of DOA pretty fun for a while, but something still felt like it was missing. The unlockable costumes of the PS1 version definitely added some replay value at least... no doubt "84 character costumes" was impressive for the time and maybe even left an imprint in the minds of players. Other than that, DOA1 was lacking in a few ways. The presentation, music, and character roster seemed to lack excitement and legitimacy. DOA had some tough competition at the time, so that's understandable. However, DOA was an important stepping stone in what would become one of the major franchises in the next generation of 3D fighters. DOA2 was a stunner! ~TFG Webmaster | @Fighters_Gen      Click Here for all Character Data / Bios! Click Here for all Posters / Box Artwork! Click Here for all Concept Artwork! Click Here for all Screenshots! FOLLOW    ON:                             TFG NEWS CHARACTERS GAMES